The whole trail is a great ride and worth the trip and experience as I ride through/ on it at least 5-10 times each summer. The north part of this trail from 137 to near the Wisconsin border is really nice thru Independence Grove thru some spectacular oak forest, scrub and I thought it was scenic and enjoyed its diversity. It is terribly marked, as noted by others, so be prepared to have to look for the trail. The scenery is beautiful, especially mid summer with the plants in full bloom. Rode the trail from Dam 4 in Park Ridge north today to just north of Golf Road. I've put on over 2500 miles just in Central Lake County on the DPRT and enjoyed every minute of it. It's also really neat riding through the Rollin savanna area and you can see how far the trail goes up ahead and your out in the open. Ten minutes later, you're crossing under a major road or are able to see someone's back yard. There's an old POW Camp, tons of old farm remains, and scattered agricultural machinery. The fact that I could bike from my house to the DPR trail and have relatively safe access to so many forest preserves was fantastic. This is a great trail to ride. Perfect. I did the circuit around Independence Grove and from a distance spotted what appeared to be two baby owls peeking out of the hole in tree. But. Deer, Turtles, Frogs,very scenic nice trail to ride. At one point it seemed some beavers made a dam across the path. The second ride was south from Central Road in Cook County. I've ridden the trail in Lake County a number of times and it's great. It's a very beautiful scenic ride and very photogenic trail and it's very relaxing and enjoyable. If I go north, it's beautiful. As well the trial is very soft or sandy or thick gravely in many spots so it wasn't great for a road bike. Sunset Bridge Meadow. In the end, North is beauty. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. It's beautiful from Euclid past Central. Not too flat some hills and I always see deer along the path. Nothing fancy, but there is a drinking fountain right outside the bathroom that you can use to fill up your water bottles if needed. Riding this trail south of Lawrence avenue in Schiller Park is for thrill seekers and off-road fat tire bikers only. Unless you must have a paved trail because you are an entitled suburbanite or otherwise infirm. Occasionally after a big storm, there will be gulleys 4-8" wide where the packed limestone has been sculpted by the rain. The surface is usually finely-crushed gravel that is very even and well maintained. I wondered why I saw no one else riding it for the first 100 yards or so and now it is quite clear. The trail winds through several parks and forest preserves, and as such there are ample facilities and parking. This part is not as well marked, and one point (at Campground Road Woods) it was not clear that I should cross the road and continue on the road, because it was not marked. In one place it comes down to a worn path barely a tire's width. Wadsworth Road. If you're coming off the trail, look for the closest picnic shelter (it's fairly large with a fireplace if I remember correctly). The scenic Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway in Lake County has been designated as a National Recreation Trail. The DPR Trail is a wide, crushed gravel track, free of … I won't go back. I just learned to power through the soft stuff when I see it. However, if you hike during a dry spell, you will be rewarded with beautiful vistas, songbirds, and Disney-like chipmunks and squirrels. I do the whole trail from Elmwood Park all the way up to the Wisconsin border every year and make a 2 day trip of it. A strange old series of buildings that have been around for more than 100 years. Remarkably there are rideable sections, but again, I would only recommend fat tires and spare tubes on this portion of the trail. Des Plaines River Trail The best-kept secret in area biking is that the Des Plaines River Trail (DPRT) begins behind the Westin Hotel in Wheeling. The trail is just a small rut at that point, but the meadow is thick and beautiful and serene. Though bicycling is the most popular way to use the trail, it is also used by hikers and horseback riders. As most have already pointed put the southern most tip of this trails is craptacular. View Map The trail in Cook County also has large gravel as the road bed in certain portions. Generally a nice trail. This is probably the dustiest trail we have ridden on, with plenty of loose gravel. Let the world see your experience through your eyes. Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway Russell Road , Wadsworth, IL 60083 Phone: 847.367.6640 Visit Website Nearby businesses include The appeal of this trail is the diverse areas through which it passes. You will get hurt on this trail on the Cook Co. side. 2 Reviews. Other recreational activities available along the trail are boating and fishing. The trail extends farther south and north. Founded in 1963, this 61-mile rail-to-trail path runs through Kane and DuPage counties. One of the best urban/suburban trails I've ever ridden. It was well maintained and was well traveled by bikers,walkers,joggers, and horses. I just "discovered" this trail last week. The lake county portion is crushed limestone and the scenery is breathtaking with lush vegetation, wildlife, streams and dams and great bridges. I like the canopied forest intermingled with open prairie. The trail gives unparalleled access to the Des Plaines River. Independence Grove is my favorite place to finally get to when riding through the trail as it's always full of life and energy. Just so many sights to see and check out along the way on the trail. This trail is relatively close to me and I rode it last week. Most of these intersections are well marked and have signals for cars to stop. It seems to smooth out quite nicely after that and is very pleasant. Which brings me to going south on the trail. The trail is perfect for everyone to enjoy. There are weird spots. This is a truly special running course. The trail continues on north of Independence Grove in fine fashion. I advise you stay to the far north on the DPRT. River Road. Sure, the occasional idiot on a gas-powered mini-bike comes along. The first couple miles are pretty rough due to the horses. I crossed the bridge at Lake Cook Rd to Cook co. OMG it's a nightmare. Saw some Deer even a Buck. The only difficulty I encountered was the railroad crossing in the area called Kloempken Prairie on the route map (north of Golf Rd., south of Central Rd.). Slammed through some awesome flooded muddy tunnels. It's not at all clear what you're supposed to do. Going north and going south are totally different experiences. Don't be fooled , stay North of Lake Cook Rd and you will have a ride. 4 Woods-East. Grand Avenue Route 120 Route 137 Washington Street Route 176. enue e 21. That soon leads into my favorite part of the whole trail. Nice picnic shelter and tables beside the pond. It's really the best of all worlds. The north end however (maintained by Lake Co. as opposed to Cook Co.) is just great. 1. I've lived in the Chicago area my entire life. At 112 miles round trip, the trail is easily do-able over the course of the several week period. UNSAFE FOR ANYONE. Then, just past Fullerton, the trail literally disappeared INTO the Des Plaines River, leaving you NO choice but to turn back around. It is a very relaxing ride or you can go for speed, if that's your thing. The trail was in good shape (although not paved). More novice riders and hikers might wish to start at the northern end and travel south the first 20 miles. Again, thankful we had mountain bikes. And you don't have to drive out of the city to find it. Welcome to the 11th running of the DPR Trail Half-Marathon, Marathon and 50 Mile Ultra Marathon along the beautiful and fast Des Plaines River Trail in Lake County, Illinois. The Des Plaines River Trail is a multi-use trail that's a great place to walk Fido in Libertyville! There were no curb cuts. North Ave, east of N 1st Ave. River Grove, IL 60171 ( view web map. There are some gaps in the system, but if you’re willing to take some surface roads, the trail will take you from River Grove in the near western suburbs all the way to the Wisconsin border. But on a mountain bike the south branch is a blast. And maybe not right if you just want an easy, lovely ride. Should I decide to ride this trail again I will pick it up at or North of Lake Cook Road. I'm 32 and I ride a cyclocross bike. The Wheeling area is terrible to ride on with large rocks, tree roots, and ruts. Overall it is a spectacular ride, especially when the prairie flowers are blooming. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. North of Milwaukee you have to exit Allison woods and cross Milwaukee and take Winkelman road for a quarter of a mile. The only exception was an enjoyable area in Des Plaines where the trail is concrete, well marked and smooth. Restrooms, picnic areas, and water fountains are frequent throughout this system of connected forest preserves. We live near the southern section of this trail, so we have rode that portion multiple times. Once you've hit Route 22 (half day road) you're not far from the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. You might want to walk your bike. I've ridden this trail twice in the last year and both times were very nice, most recently a week ago. To reach the Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve at the north end of the trail: From I-94, take Exit 2 for IL 173/Rosecrans Road. Lots of birds, small mammals, and the occasional snake. The trail surface varies from dirt to gravel or crushed stone to some paved sections. There was one area that I had to walk the bike about 500 yards because of the ruts, mud and overall roughness. Great trail! But it can get a touch dicey between Devon and Fullerton at times. jennpwilliams remarks about trail being ungroomed and not good can be true after heaving rains. Smaller single track trails off the main run offer more challenges and scenery. Des Plaines River Trail (Oakton) is a 6 mile popular gravel path trail located near Chicago Illinois. Accessible, scenic and well-kept. This section meanders through forest, open prairie , some farmland. It can be accessed by several forest preserves and parks that are very close to towns in the area. What a mess, needs some gravel, no signs pointing to where to go. Park Ridge needs to take a cue from Des Plaines of all towns because north of Touhy begins a beautiful stretch of limestone and concrete trails all the way north to Milwaukee avenue. 7. It is muddy towards the south end, but still passable -- this is after quite a lot of rain in the last few weeks, but only a bit over the past few days. How would an older person ever ride this trail? Great walking trail north of touhy my only complaint is that it was flooded at the I 294 underpass. Flooding has closed some underpasses at times but overall good trail when open, well marked, easy access and much fun. Lots of loose gravel, ruts and no markings. I figured it out eventually, and will know for next time. great trail to walk on if it is not muddy have walked from Devon to Algonquin road and had no problems. At Lake Cook Road going North (Lake County) The trail becomes crushed lime stone however the bed of limestone is loose and caution should be given. (Thanks, nephew's cousin's friend). I hit two of them and one I got knocked into a tree. The Rosemont side is more well kept then the Schiller Park side. More info and directions here. Trail surface was almost always very good. Don't ride side by side cause it's no fun to end a bike trip in the hospital so please be aware of everything going on and ride safe. Took a break at Independence Grove. We retraced, then took roads through Oakton CC campus to Golf Rd and rejoined trail. agencies identify opportunities for creating a continuous trail along the Des Plaines River between 26 th Street and Ogden Avenue, to connect the existing Salt Creek Greenway in Brookfield and Cermak-Ottawa Woods Trails in Lyons. Awesome trail. It was great for mud pies and luckily none of us got hurt, but it could be treacherous. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/illinois/des-plaines-river-trail-loop I did note some road bikes on the Lake County portion of the trail but mostly crossover and mountain bikes. If I had one complaint it would be the need for an overpass over Dundee. While you're on the trail, you'll merge right onto the paved ring path around the grove and stay on it for maybe a quarter of a mile before you have the option to get back on the trail. Check or FAQs for more common login questions. Lots of walkers when the season is high and dry. I see a lot of five star reviews and I am guessing those come from people at the north end of this long trail. Irving Park is the same way and it, like the others, is a four-lane road at that point. I picked up the trail from the far south end off of North Ave. in Elmwood Park and rode it to Grand Ave. in River Grove where I gave up. The trail is a narrow dirt and sometimes mud path.Tricycles will have an extremely difficult time in the Cook County portion. Even if it was dry it is still a mud path here and not even limestone. Freight trains are infrequent, but they come. Lovely trail. My wife and I have ridden our hybrid bikes from Lake Cook road to Russell Rd. You have to pick up your bike and carry it across the tracks. The Des Plaines River (/ d ɪ s ˈ p l eɪ n z /) is a river that flows southward for 133 miles (214 km) through southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois in the United States Midwest, eventually meeting the Kankakee River west of Channahon to form the Illinois River, a tributary of the Mississippi River.. Just point out your sticker to the gate attendant and they'll wave you through. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Found a restroom along the way. The northern most section of trail from Wadsworth Rd north to the Wisconsin state line is the rockiest. Cook county and more specifically the towns and villages where this trail runs through need to get their act in gear. The farther north you go, the less populated the area becomes. I like the ups and downs - although the major hill by Grand Ave. can be circumvented if you are crossing there. Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, One of my favourite sections of the Des Plaines River Trail is the canoe launch at Route 60, east of Highway 21. For its beauty, diversity and serenity, I give this trail the ranking of great trail! I've only been five miles into the Lake County side, but that was enough to see herons resting in tree branches while I pedaled over a small, charming bridge. This portion is very well marked, plenty of benches for resting and very scenic. Cook country should be ashamed of itself for calling it a trail. Apparently there are plans to build a bridge. border. Overall trail conditions are pretty decent with no flooding from Deerfield Road up to Independence Grove and while the trail surface is somewhat rutted from the long winter it is in reasonably good shape. This is a beautiful trail to walk and much safer than walking on the street or road. It still was very beautiful, but proceed with caution. ", "I have been using this trail to run on for about two years, and I think it is a great trail. Please watch out for horses and approach them with caution so you don't spook them. de Dam No. The trail is in fantastic shape, the scenery was beautiful and we got lucky with how amazing the weather was. Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Parts are bumpy but overall condition is good. In Lake County, snowmobiles are permitted along the trail between Wadsworth Road (and in the wetlands research project area) and the northern terminus at Russell Road. Too bad because it's nice running along the river and has lots of shade. I'm glad I finally made it all the way out to the trail's end at North Avenue. I got on at Winkleman Road (Cook County) and it took me a few moments to find the trail entrance. There's a Nature Center (not open during COVID). 3. There's some more or less gentle ups and downs and lots of curves and although most of the trail is in the woods there are a couple of nice prairie sections. Overall this trail is kept well and I truly enjoy my rides on this trail. The first time there were a couple of muddy spots but this last time (in mid-July) the riding conditions were good the whole way (except for one brief detour). All this time I've driven around the forest preserves...today I did twelve miles IN the preserves...WHAT A TREAT! and then out to Milwaukee Ave. All-in-all it's a pretty nice section of the DPRT, and I'd encourage anyone to try it. This would be a good trail for a horse not a bike. There are clear markings for when the trail is extremely muddy, and its borders may be hard to discern. (There's an interesting story about how the Rat Pack played at the restaurant that used to be at the site of Allgauers, but we'll save that for another review.) I was there starting at 7 am on a Sunday, and it was moderately busy -- perfect for me, a woman running along, in that I never felt unsafe because there were plenty of people around, but I also did not feel as if it was too crowded. Pros: -After Dundee, no unsafe crossings (to my knowledge) -Varied scenery ranging from swamp, light and dense forest, restored prairies, and old farmland -Pretty empty on most days (south of Milwaukee can see more traffic) -Can sporadically see larger animals (deer, raccoons, skunks, turtles, snakes). The Des Plaines River bike trail passes through here, and in this part of the woods, you should definitely not stray from the trail. In this part of Illinois a hill is anything that isn't flat as a pancake. Started at Dam No 4 Woods and walked to Golf Rd and Big Bend Lake , saw plenty of animals deer, squirrels , chipmunks and beautiful scenery along the trail. I ride this trail often because it is the one closest to me, but for the stretch I know, I cannot give this a high rating. I live fairly close to the trail and have frequently ridden the trail from as far south as the city of Des Plaines to as far north as Libertyville. You don't have to worry about traffic as you either go over or under any major roadways, but make sure the trails are open as it can get flooded easily during heavy rainfall or days of rain which can cause parts of the trails to be closed until it goes down. Capt Porky & the Shanty Wadsworth Fee is $5 and available for purchase at the Visitors Center. Walked from Devon to Touhy on trail and it was very interesting. I started at mile 29 and went north to mile 17. 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